Posted on 01/12/2024 9:16:11 PM PST by Red Badger
ESPN and the NFL are in advanced talks that could result in the league taking an equity stake in ESPN, The Post has learned.
As part of a potential agreement, Disney-owned ESPN would take control of NFL Media, which includes NFL Network, and the league would receive equity in ESPN.
For the long-term viability of ESPN aligning with the most powerful sports league would enhance its position as the network plans to move to direct to consumer by 2025.
While the idea of an ESPN-NFL alliance has been mentioned before, discussions between Disney-owned ESPN and the NFL are far enough along that sources said that owners and the Players Association are being informed about the talks.
The owners and players need to be involved in the equity agreement because of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the two sides that calls for them to share revenues. It is unclear of how an equity stake in ESPN would be accounted for in the CBA.
It still could take months for a deal to be finalized. Both ESPN and the NFL declined comment.
The NFL has been trying to unload its network for years now. In its recent talks that resulted in its $110-plus billion deals with ESPN, Amazon, CBS, Fox, NBC and YouTube, the NFL searched for a buyer, but was unsuccessful.
NFL Media consists of NFL Network, NFL.com, Red Zone, NFL Films and NFL+.
Since ESPN covers the league thoroughly, there would be synergies if the two sides are able to reach an agreement. Disney/ESPN might be able to secure better carriage arrangements for NFL Network.
ESPN has targeted 2025 as the most likely year it will go direct-to-consumer.
It is still possible it could move up the date to end of this year.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
They are making a big mistake, even now to watch the game tonight you have to buy Peacock to watch, many folks are talking boycott.
The NFL marketing executives know that anyone still watching the NFL after the NFL aligned themselves with Communist organization such as Black Lives MatterTM to spit in the faces of Americans, will pay anything to maintain their gambling addiction or cling to their self-identity as a fan.
Gillett razors and Hamm’s beer commercials in early ‘50s.
Also had pro wrestling on Wed. nights.
We had Schlitz beer commercials....................
Good posting.
Generates more questions regarding path of transmission to viewers TV, IMO.
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